Plan the cost of your camping holiday

By Dominique Lépine, Financial Advisor

How much does a camping holiday cost? It all depends on the type of shelter we choose, our definition of necessary equipment and the place where we want to camp.

Choice of shelter type

No surprise, the cost of a tent compared to that of a caravan is not in the same price range. For the same type of shelter, the price can vary enormously depending on the level of comfort desired. It is therefore essential, once the type of shelter has been chosen, to determine the minimum characteristics sought. For example, if you decide to camp in a tent trailer, how many places are required? Would you like to have air conditioning? Would you like to have a toilet? A shower?

Once the type of shelter and the minimum characteristics have been determined, you must decide whether you want to rent, buy or, why not, borrow.

If you decide to buy, will you go for new or used equipment? The offer of second-hand shelters is very large. Some families decide to give up camping, while others opt for a change in the type of shelter. It is a very active second-hand market.

Material required

Beyond the shelter, there is all the other equipment required. The list can be short or very long depending on the type of camper you are. Are you the minimalist or 5 star type? Will you be sleeping on a sleeping mat, an inflatable mattress or a cot? Will you cook your dinner on the campfire, a tabletop propane barbecue or a Napoleon portable propane barbecue? Be careful, buying several accessories at a low price can raise the bill quite quickly.

Cost of the night

Two factors influence the cost of the night. The offer is very varied depending on the type of camping you want to do. There is everything from wild camping, staying in a SÉPAQ park or camping in an amusement park. The price can vary from a few dollars to a few hundred dollars per night.

Extras during the stay

The cost of your stay can be influenced depending on the type of campsite you choose. If you go wild camping, expenses during your stay may be limited. If the selected campsite offers a wide range of services such as the rental of aquatic equipment, a restaurant service, animated activities for children, etc., the cost of your stay may not be limited to the cost of overnight stays.

The ready-to-camp

You want to go camping for the pleasure of living outdoors, but you find the preparation complicated? No matter what type of shelter you want, know that the ready-to-camp offer is growing.

Glamping

Glamping, formed by the contraction of glamor and camping, offers stays that combine luxury, nature, comfort and respect for the environment. This solution can be yours if vacationing in nature appeals to you, but it is difficult for you to give up the comfort of hotels.

Frequency of your camping trips

How often you want to camp will have a big influence on your choices. It will help you determine if it is better for you to rent, buy or opt for a ready-to-camp. Why not buy as a group to share equipment during the summer? This is an option that could also be interesting.

As you will have understood, the budget for camping holidays can be very different depending on the family. As with everything, there's no one right way to go camping, but there's a method that suits your family's style and your budget. After all, it's your vacation!

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